HYBRID LEARNING FROM A TEACHER'S PERSPECTIVE: CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the International Balkan University (IBU) adopted a hybrid educational mode during the academic year of 2021-2022, which combined face-to-face classes for local students with online classes for the foreign students. The aim of the study is to gain insight into teachers’ experience with English hybrid learning with large groups and provide recommendations for more effective hybrid classes. A qualitative study with 5 English course instructors at IBU, Skopje, North Macedonia, was conducted to answer the two research questions: 1) What are the main challenges teachers face when teaching English to large groups during hybrid classes? and 2) What are some possible ways of making English hybrid classes more effective? The interview results indicate that the main challenges include technical problems, lack of interaction and difficulties with effective class and time management. Teachers suggest having assistants for better time and class management, shorter classes and parallel activities for online and face-to-face students.